Jason
Tell us about some of the great stuff that you do.
Berkley
We make and design our pieces here in our shop. Because of that, we are involved in the Downtown Arts Alliance. One major way we like to give back is we have a Second Saturday Art Walk, where we feature a local artist. Last month, we had a local glassblower. Every quarter, we pick a charity to give back to. We’re major supporters for Pet Dispatch local, the ASPCA here.
Jason
Tell us about the owners. What's their background?
Berkley
Our store owner, Carlos Lopez, was big in the jewelry industry. He worked in the Diamond District, so he had that kind of fine jewelry background. He was trained in Italy and worked five-plus years in Thailand, and he spent a lot of time out in Colorado and out West. When you come into our store, it's a global experience. We have large mineral specimens, kind of like stages of minerals, rocks, and gems as you walk through the store. He wanted to incorporate his entire experience with travel. There's an undertone of a music theme in our store because we like the play on words: rock shop, rock and roll. It creates this relaxed vibe, which is completely how he is. You'll come into the store and see him in a t-shirt and jeans. It sets the tone of who he is.
Jason
You've probably seen a lot when it comes to proposals. Tell us a fun one.
Berkley
Two weeks after the store opened, we actually had a guy drop down on his knees here in the store. It's that personal connection we get to make with people. We specialize in exotic stones, as well as diamonds. But there's been a big surge in people wanting sapphires, moonstone, or opals for their center stone. We just had a couple, he is from Australia. She had an heirloom diamond for her engagement ring, so he sourced some Australian Opal for her center stone. And then we used her two diamonds on the side. You could see how two souls were connected in that one ring. That's what we love to do.
Jason
I know you carry a lot of different lines. Are there any pieces that you want us to know about?
Berkley
Definitely our RockShop original pieces. We do feature some local regional artists in our silver collection. We also specialize in turquoise. We acquired a lot in 2012 before the mines closed. And then we do specialize in non-heat-treated stones and sapphires. We highlight all the natural beauty. Being right next to the water, we have such a coastal vibe in our store.
Jason
Here's your chance to say whatever you like. What should we know?
Berkley
Ask questions behind your pieces, what you're buying, where it's coming from. If you're here in St. Petersburg, don't miss Second Saturday Art Walks—see how jewelry blends and meets with the art scene.
